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THE 

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AMERICAN NATURALIST. 

Vol. xiv. — NO VEMBER, 1880. — No. 11. 



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THE ISLAND OF DOMINICA. 

BY F. M. ENDLICH. 

OMINICA has always been veiled in a halo of mystery. 
Vague rumors of " smoking mountains," of springs flow- 
ing " liquid sulphur," and of caverns of prodigious dimensions 
have invested it with more than ordinary interest. 

The island was discovered by Columbus on his second west- 
ward voyage in 1493. It belongs to the " Windward Group," 
the whole of which form a portion of a circle directly east of the 
Caribbean sea. Geographically Dominica is located about at N. 
lat. 1 5 , and 6i° long. W. of Greenwich, and its climate, conse- 
quently, is subtropical. Without entering into details, which 
here would carry us beyond our limits, it may be said that the 
entire Windward Group belongs to one geological system. Gen- 
erally speaking we may regard these islands— excepting Antigua, 
Barbadoes and Trinidad— as the highest remaining portions of 
an extensive eruption, the age of which falls near or into the 
Eocene period. From their orographic character, as well as from 
their relative position, the temptation is great to consider them 
the projecting points of the eastern side of one huge, serrated 
crater-rim. Detailed observations are too meagre as yet, how- 
ever, to attempt the establishment of any such hypothesis. 
Lithologically speaking the erupted material shown on Dominica 
strikingly resembles that of the southern Wasatch range. Even 
in special arrangement of the trachytic series the analogy is 
remarkable. It is furthermore borne out, on this and other 
islands, by the general contours of elevations, and by the simi- 
larity of the effects produced by extensive erosion. 

Rising abruptly from the sea, the shores of Dominica afford 



VOL. XIV. — NO. XI. 



762 The Island of Dominica. [November, 

comparatively few landing places, and unless a shelving beach 
can be found, the boat may not unfrequently be swamped in an 
attempt at landing. Owing to the character of the rocks com- 
posing the body of the island, erosive action has been productive 
of varied results. The immediate base is composed of hard, com- 
pact sanidine-trachyte ; overlying occurs a series of easily decom- 
posing conglomerates, while the higher portions are again formed 
by trachyte. In giving these facts, it may be stated that the 
southern end of the island is spoken of. Towards the high inte- 
rior and north, but few explorations have been accomplished. 
Wherever the more easily yielding conglomerates have been 
attacked by erosive agents, almost vertical walls and narrow 
gorges are found. Steep slopes are not wanting in the trachytes 
proper, but they seem to be owing less, perhaps, to erosion than 
to be the expression of original contour. 

Towards the interior the highest mountain reaches an absolute 
elevation of 5500 feet; within a very few miles of shore, how- 
ever, 3000 to 3500 feet are attained by a number of peaks. 
It would be difficult to imagine any more beautiful spot than the 
southern end of Dominica. Combined with outlines which 
resemble the rigid stability of Alpine scenery is the luxuriant, 
sub-tropical flora. An abundance of moisture, equable tempera- 
ture and absence of the destructive hand of civilization allow 
full scope for the development of plant life, and have preserved 
for our admiration a region which cannot fail to call forth enthu- 
siasm. Few sights can be more charming than that of a high, 
vertical wall clothed throughout with abundant vegetation, exhib- 
iting numerous shades of vivid green. The Roseau river is the 
most important watercourse of the island. It heads in the higher 
mountains, flows in a westerly direction, forms a fine waterfall 
near Laudat, and enters the sea on the leeward side of Dominica 
at the main port, the town of Roseau. 

From the earliest days, since its discovery, Dominica has been 
a bone of contention between England and France. Ample forti- 
fications, now allowed to decay, speak of the importance which 
each nation attached to its possession. By the treaty of Fon- 
tainebleau it was ceded to Great Britain, but in 1802 wns again 
recovered by France. Finally, in 18 14, the former power once 
more added it to her list of colonies, and has retained it since 
that time. At the time of its discovery, and for many years after, 



1 8 8 o . ] The Island of Dominica. 763 

Dominica was one of the favorite resorts of the Caribs. This 
warlike nation here found mountains and water, fish in plenty and 
fruits in the valleys. From their strongholds in wild fastnesses 
they more than once issued upon aggressive warfare and severely 
harassed the settlers of neighboring islands. In the course of 
years, however, the Caribs have become greatly reduced in num- 
bers, until to-day there is but a mere handful remaining. It is 
certainly a subject for serious reflection to note the almost com- 
plete extermination of a once powerful people by the advance of 
civilized measures and by superior instruments of aggressive 
warfare. In view of our own vexed Indian question we may fee* 
inclined to allow personal or national interests to warp judgment 
or to subvert justice. When, however, the same spectacle is seen 
from the standpoint of an unimpassioned observer, it assumes a 
totally different aspect. Dominica and Trinidad are said to con- 
tain the last surviving Caribs. On the former island perhaps one 
thousand may still be living, on the latter not so large a number. 
Secluded in the mountains of the interior, they are but rarely 
seen at the settlements. Chivalrous as they formerly were, they 
have retained to some extent their tribal characteristics of vener- 
ation for hereditary and accidental authority and good treatment 
of their women. These latter have been accustomed to wait 
upon the " lords of creation " most assiduously, and are rewarded 
by respect and far more consideration than is usually found 
among savages. In spite of former cannibalism the Caribs have 
often shown traits of greatness and magnanimity. At present 
they occupy a reservation set apart by the government. Peace- 
ably passing their time, they devote their energies to the manu- 
facture of exceedingly tasteful baskets. Double plaiting renders 
the latter waterproof, and the careful work bestowed upon them 
is recognized by the numerous uses to which they are put. 

In physical appearance these people closely resemble the 
nobler tribes of our North American Indians; long, straight, black 
hair falls down over their shoulders ; the cheekbones are prom- 
inent, nose flattened somewhat, mouth broad and chin massive. 
Much lighter than the negro population, the color of their skin 
is yellow to brown. The influence of intermarriage between 
negro and Carib is plainly perceptible in their descendants. A 
decided lightening of color, an improvement in features and 
stature as well as decreased curliness of the hair, denote the pres- 



764 The Island cf Dominica. [November, 

ence of blood which for many years controlled the Windward 
islands. Many of the girls belonging to this class, who may be 
found some distance away from the coast, are really quite pre- 
possessing in appearance. 

A total population of about 26,000, of which Roseau claims 
3000, is ascribed to the island. As might be expected, the con- 
stant change of ruling power has had a detrimental effect upon 
the language spoken by the present population. Defying alike 
the Parisian and the Englishman, a French patois, is used as the 
means of lingual communication. Indolence in properly framing 
words on the part of the negro inhabitants, and perhaps an admix- 
ture of some Carib phrases or intonations have rendered it difficult 
for any one but a resident to understand what is spoken. Very few 
Caucasians are living on Dominica, as the mountainous character 
of the colony forbids extensive enterprises. Coffee was intro- 
duced, during the last century, from Martinique, and was formerly 
largely cultivated. Recently, however, an insect has attacked the 
delicate leaf and destroyed the plants. Experimentally the 
Liberian coffee-plant has been introduced, and it is hoped that its 
thick, hardy leaf may successfully withstand the ravages to which 
the other has succumbed. Limes are raised in great quantities, 
and have become so thoroughly acclimated that they flourish 
without requiring any particular attention. Citric acid is manu- 
factured from them and exported. One of the staples is sugar, 
but the annual production does not exceed a few thousand tons. 

From the appearance of the town of Roseau, some inferences 
may be drawn as to the struggles which were made for possession 
of the island in times gone by. A dyke, capable of being forti- 
fied, protects the water front, while forts, located on the " Mornes" 
near the town, were destined to keep at bay the invading foe. 
True, to-day, all of the elaborate defences would speedily fall 
before the heavy armament of a man-of-war, but at the period of 
their usefulness they were sufficiently formidable. As the inhabi- 
tants are mainly negroes, the town does not present an imposing 
array of fine structures. Small, wooden huts, thatched in part, 
protect th£ir families from rain and storms. Illustrating the good 
taste shown on all these islands, there is a " Public Garden" near 
the town ; fountains cool the air, and conveniently placed seats 
invite the seeker after shade and the admirer of scenic beauty. 

During our stay on the island (February, 1880), we had occa- 



PLATE III. 




Esequibo Indians. 



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i88o.] The Island of Dominica. 765 

sion to visit several points of interest, thanks to the courtesy of 
gentlemen living there, and the kind offices of Dr. Brown, of 
Princeton. Prominent among the "mysteries" of Dominica, the 
" Boiling lake " and the " Soufreurs " have always held their 
place. The latter are located near the extreme southern end of 
the island. Leaving Roseau early in the morning, we were 
pulled along the coast for six miles by four strong oars. On 
account of the difficulty in landing at some localities, the boats 
are without rudders. Their place is supplied by a steersman who 
ably directs the course by means of a short paddle. Boats used 
by the negroes are built in the shape of canoes, and are partly 
sharp-keeled dug-outs, the sides being boarded to increase the 
depth. After we had landed, a very warm climb brought us to 
the first appearance of chemical changes in the rocks. The feld- 
spathic constituents of the trachyte were thoroughly decomposed, 
the ground white and dusty with but little vegetation. Some 
search revealed a number of cavities in the altered material, which 
were lined or filled with beautiful crystals of sulphur. Although 
the surface of this decomposed area showed a normal tempera- 
ture, this increased so rapidly with depth, that at little more than 
a foot it was unbearable to the touch. Small streams in the 
vicinity were found to measure 45 ° C, and the water evidently 
carried ferric sulphate and alum in solution. Ascending higher, 
through tall weeds, and plucking guavas on the way, we observed 
a narrow gully in a rocky mountain side, whence steam was 
issuing in dense volume. It was a matter of some difficulty to 
cross a ravine which separated us from this point of greatest 
chemical activity. Here our colored guides deserted us. Not 
that their guidance was in the least valuable, but we wanted them 
to carry specimens. No persuasion, no threat could induce them 
to follow us to the place where, in their opinion, evil spirits 
resided. " They will throw rocks at you," was their only reply, 
accompanied by an obstinate negative shake of the head. Who 
" they " were could not clearly be made out. A prevalent popu- 
lar superstition regarding evil-minded "mountain spirits," fur- 
nished us a clew, however, as to the identity of undefinable 
enemies. Once within the active region of the Soufreurs it be- 
came necessary to be cautious in our movements. The ground 
was treacherous and of about 6o° C. temperature. Small open- 
ings lined with crystals of sulphur, steadily emitted sulphurous 



y66 The Island of Dominica. [November 

gases. At some places it became difficult to breathe, so dense 
was the volume. After passing over about quarter of a square mile, 
densely studded with fumaroles, we entered the gorge seen from 
a distance. Steep, slippery slopes of partly decomposed trachytes 
here enclosed a narrow stream of water which was' found to be 
heated nearly to the boiling point. Sulphuretted hydrogen was 
present in great quantities, and hot steam-jets attacked us from 
the most unexpected quarters. Along the rock-walls we found a 
number of openings, sometimes nearly half a foot in diameter, 
from which either steam or gas issued. 

" And it bubbles and seethes, and it hisses and roars, 
As when fire is with water commix'd and contending," 

truly describes what we encountered while slowly climbing 
upward in the gully. From the bottom, through narrow crevices, 
by way of cylindrical openings, all around us, steam and gas 
threatened to bar farther progress. In the bed of the hot creek 
the water presented an appearance of violent boiling, owing to the 
rapid emission of large quantities of gas. So thick was the steam 
at this point that it began to interfere with respiration, and at 
times our surroundings were entirely shut out from view for 
several minutes. A large percentage of mineral constituents in 
the water rendered it totally unfit to drink, even when cooled. 
Ascending farther in the gorge, escape from which was negatived 
by barren walls on either side, we finally reached an elevation of 
about 1 200 feet above sea level. Here we found the water cold 
again, trickling in small streamlets over the rocks. We had 
escaped from the region of gas and steam and had passed, at the 
same time, the upper limit of present chemical action. Complete 
metamorphosis, produced by long-continued decomposition, had 
placed these rocks beyond the influence of atmospheric agents. 
Burned out, not now taking part in the phenomena of the imme- 
diate vicinity, they remain as mute witnesses of the forces which 
there must have been at work for ages. 

To our satisfaction we were enabled to find in some fragments 
of fresh and partly decomposed trachyte, the solution of the 
striking scenes witnessed. Minute crystals or irregular fragments 
of pyrite impregnate the rock throughout a definite zone. In 
weight the quantity of this pyrite may amount to about twenty 
per cent. Moisture in conjunction with atmospheric air will 
readily decompose this mineral, a process which is accompanied 






i88o.] The Island of Dominica. y6j 

by generation of heat. Such action will be facilitated and accel- 
erated by the extremely small size of the individual pyritic parti- 
cles. The postulated reagents are abundantly supplied at the 
locality in question. In addition to the ferric compound the 
feldspathic portions of the trachyte are attacked, yield to altering 
agents, and by increase of volume accompanying chemical 
change, add their share to the generation of heat. At the same 
time the decomposing mass is physically disintegrated and then 
easily removed by natural causes, thus permitting a repetition of 
the same process, until the supply of unstable chemical com- 
pounds may become exhausted. Irregularities of either chemical 
or physical character within trachytic rocks are by no means of 
rare occurrence. Should their nature be such as to yield more 
readily to active reagents than the portions surrounding them, 
decomposition will progress at a higher rate of speed along cer- 
tain lines or in certain directions. Thus vents may be formed 
which besides serving as outlets for gases and liquids, will allow 
fresh supplies of moisture and air to reach points as yet com- 
paratively intact. 

Returning to our darkies we found them unfeignedly surprised 
to see us still alive, but they evidently concluded that we were 
reserved for some fate even worse than " having rocks thrown 
at us." 

" Wotten Waven " is another point deserving of special study. 
A morning ride along the left bank of the Roseau, which led 
through flourishing lime plantations, brought us to the undisturbed 
timbered slopes of a subtropical zone. Huge tree ferns over- 
shadowed the narrow path cut into a steep face of trachytic con- 
glomerate, over which we were gradually winding our way 
upward. It would be impossible to furnish a pen picture capa- 
ble of giving even a faint idea of the beauty inherent in such a 
forest. The cool moist atmosphere is refreshing, and every step 
taken forces admiration from those whose eyes are accustomed to 
the more sombre grandeur of northern climes. A column of 
steam slowly wreathing skyward betrayed the presence of Wot- 
ten Waven. These " thermal springs " lie about 1600 feet above 
sea level, but not within pyritiferous trachyte. A short distance 
from the timber edge we found a creek flowing cold water. Fol- 
lowing this down, the first hot springs were soon encountered. 
Here the water issued from small apertures in trachytic rock 



768 The Island of Dominica. [November, 

which showed but little decomposition on the surface. Varying 
temperature, ranging from 85 C. to boiling point, was observed, 
while the water of the creek measured 68° C. But a few yards 
to the right, a narrow gully ran off from the creek, ending 
abruptly in a vertical wall, the lower portions of which were com- 
posed of trachyte. In the latter an aimost circular opening, about 
two feet in diameter, led to regions unknown. Standing in front of 
this opening a regular pulsation within was observed. So far as 
could be seen, it was the mouth of a somewhat extended cavity 
into which water rushed simultaneously, at nearly regular inter- 
vals, from the two sides parallel with the trend of the ravine. If a 
comparison be attempted, the total effect might be likened to the 
noise produced by a ship's engine, accompanied by a similar 
though slighter tremor. Four pulsations occurred on an average 
during every seven seconds, and the fifth ejected a large mass of 
water through the opening. This main "spring" of Wotten Waven 
must therefore be regarded as a geyser. On account of the slip- 
pery character of the rocks and the imminent risk of being 
scalded, the temperature could not be obtained at the moment of 
emission. As the water flowed off it measured 98 C. Besides 
this large geyser, numerous small ones occur here, all, however, 
sending their water in lateral directions, not vertically. In addition 
to the rock openings ejecting water, there were many from which 
steam issued. Sometimes this was not visible at the immediate 
mouth and it became a matter of discrimination as to the selec- 
tion of standing places. Taking the temperature of several of 
these jets, we found a maximum of 102 C Noticeable is the 
total absence of sulphuretted hydrogen. While at the Soufreurs 
all the silver we carried with us almost instantly turned black, 
we could here find no point where bright coins would be at all 
affected. 

Although in a general way the sources of heat are due to the 
same causes at Wotten Waven as at the Soufreurs, some differ- 
ences were found. Decomposition is the main factor, but in this 
instance pyrite is not the material most violently affected. Small 
quantities of the mineral certainly occur, and it is quite possible 
that its presence in larger proportion may originally have initiated 
the process of chemical changes. At this locality the trachytes 
contain a large percentage of soda feldspar (oligoclase). This is 
rapidly decomposing, and by the chemical reaction itself, as well 



jggo.] The Island of Dominica. 7 6 9 

as by the considerable increase in volume incident thereto, heat is 
produced. In several instances, where the same changes were 
going on in rocks containing oligoclase, we have found thermal 
springs in the immediate vicinity. While decomposition of 
pyrite is more rapid, it does not extend so far from the surface 
into the rocks as that of the feldspar. In connection herewith it 
may be mentioned that the waters of Wotten Waven hold an 
exceptionally large amount of alumina in solution. In spite of 
the diminutive size of the majority of the geysers, the quantity 
of water delivered is considerable. As it nearly all flows off, a 
very large supply must be furnished by percolation, or by entrance 
through fissures and along subterranean watercourses. 

On January 4, 1880, the inhabitants of Roseau had cause to 
feel somewhat alarmed. Taking into consideration the myste- 
rious legends as to volcanic activity on the island, it will readily 
be understood that the appearance of a huge, dark cloud over the 
town shortly before noon of a clear day, might awaken some 
apprehensions. More so, however, when that cloud began to " rain 
down" fine particles of gray, mineral-like material which soon 
changed the green foliage of all vegetation to its own color. 
Pompeii and Herculaneum saw the initiation of their destruction 
in a similar cloud. So far as could be determined by cool obser- 
vers, among whom Dr. Nichols of Roseau was prominent, the 
cloud extended for a distance of about eight miles beyond the 
town and then was lost, going seaward. Even in the latter part 
of February the finely divided " ash " could be found on many- 
plants. It consisted of very minute fragments of trachytic rock 
and small crystals and particles of pyrite. The general impres- 
sion was that a volcanic eruption had taken place at " Boiling 
Lake." 

Neither definite detonations were heard nor seismic disturb- 
ances felt by the more critical observers. A low rumbling noise 
seems to have preceded the appearance of the cloud. Several 
venturesome explorers determined to investigate matters, but 
were obliged to return without results, as all access to the lake 
had been barred by dislodged rocks and earth. During our stay 
at Roseau a party was organized to visit the lake, and a new road 
was cut through the forest. Numerous colored attendants, whose 
climbing qualities and endurance we could not but admire, trans- 
ported baggage and provisions. Reaching a point several miles 



jjo The Island of Dominica. [November, 

beyond Laudat, we were obliged to relinquish our riding animals 
and proceed on foot. Wet and slippery the newly cut path fol- 
lowed the sharp crest of a narrow ridge until it reached an abso- 
lute elevation of 3200 feet. From here the view was overpower- 
ing. Before us lay miles of mountain slopes, utterly denuded of 
vegetation. Dull gray was the color of the entire surface, and 
the broken stumps of once gigantic trees spoke eloquently of the 
terrific force which had laid in desolate waste what but two months 
before had been a dense primeval forest. Behind us was the 
beautiful valley of the Roseau, the wooded mountains skirting it 
and withal an expression of serene repose. To our right steam 
was fitfully issuing from a crater-like depression, to the left rose a 
majestic column of white steam from Boiling lake. 

We descended a very steep slope and found the " erupted " 
material to consist of broken and disintegrated fragments of 
trachyte thoroughly impregnated with pyrite. In other words, 
we had before us fresh rocks which were analogous to those we 
found decomposed at the Soufreur and identical with the " ash " 
which had fallen at Roseau. By far the greater portion of the 
mass was reduced in size so as to pass through a twenty-mesh 
sieve. Boulders weighing several hundred pounds were not 
wanting, however. Arrived at the rivulet at the end of the 
mountain slope, we found the water to be warm. With the lim- 
ited amount of time at our command, it was impossible for us to 
visit the right-hand depression, so we turned our steps towards 
the lake. The former was the scene of greatest activity, and the 
place from which the dislodged rock material had issued. Re- 
cent disturbances had rendered access so precarious, however, 
that it would have been necessary to spend more time than we 
could afford in effecting an entrance to the bottom of the " crater." 
An inky black creek was crossed shortly, and but a few yards 
beyond it one of milky whiteness running parallel. Both were 
warm, about 6o° C. Probably the presence of iron sulphides 
accounts for the color of the former, while the latter, judging 
from its taste, contained mainly alkalies. As a noticeable fact, 
we observed that these colors were not merely due to the effect 
of underlying rocks, but that the water was really so colored. 
Over rocks, through water, knee deep in yielding mud we scram- 
bled along, until we finally stood at the edge of an oval basin 
surrounded by almost vertical walls, where the Boiling lake had 
been. Formerly it must have extended about three hundred by 



l38o.] The Island of Dominica. y 7l 

two hundred and fifty yards, but at the time of our visit the dis- 
turbances about one and a-half miles distant had destroyed the 
lake, leaving only a boiling spring of about fifteen by twelve feet. 
Here the water issued with tremendous ebullition. It was unsafe 
to approach within a few feet of the spring after the descent to 
the former lake bottom had been made, and it thus became im- 
possible to ascertain the exact temperature. The spring was 
located near the center of the lake bed, from where its ^water 
flowed off through a narrow opening in the enclosing walls. 
Every step was taken on hot ground, and a cane pressed down 
into the earth would be followed by the hissing sound of escaping 
steam upon withdrawal. Fortunately we found cold water, at the 
upper end of the lake, trickling down on the face of a rock, and 
we were spared the torture of 

" Water, water everywhere 
Nor any drop to drink." 

From examinations made we found that the lake had not been 
filled up by masses of rock or soil projected into it, but that the 
confining dam had broken away and the water had flowed off. In 
view of the fact that seismic action appears to have been very 
subordinate at the time of the " eruption," it seems probable that 
the lake suddenly received accessions of water and thus forced 
its way downward, carrying with it the former barrier. At best 
the depth of water, unless perhaps immediately over the hot 
spring, which once formed an integral portion of the lake, must 
have been inconsiderable. Its elevation is about 2400 feet above 
sea level. 

Had not personal inspection of the surroundings of the lake 
been convincing that the " eruption " did not take place there, the 
evidence afforded by mutilated plants would have been conclu- 
sive. No other word but " terrific " can express the conception 
of the mass and overwhelming force with which rocks and 
boulders were hurled into the forest On the southerly side— 
towards the above-mentioned crater-like depression— the bare 
broken trunks and stumps of trees, rarely over fifteen feet high' 
were literally mashed, while comparatively untouched on the 
reverse. About one-sixth to one-tenth of the total diameter was 
worn away by repeated concussion, and trees of tough fiber, so 
much as remained of them, were absolutely torn to shreds. No- 
where did we find indications of heat which might have been 
sufficiently great to fuse any of the minerals contained in the 



JJ2 . The Island of Dominica. [November, 

trachyte. The reduction of the latter in size was purely mechani- 
cal, largely due to attrition, although certainly the force producing 
it was owing to causes entirely different. We estimated the area 
thus razed, of timber, at about nine square miles, and the average 
thickness of deposited lithological material at eighteen inches. 
Allowing for the fact that the latter was not densely packed, this 
estimate furnishes a total amount of more than 27,000,000 tons 
which had been removed from their normal position by catastro- 
phic action. 

As to the causes which produced the " eruption," the evidence 
on hand is sufficient to arrive at some conclusions. First of all, 
the idea of volcanic eruption must be dismissed. No grounds for 
such assumption can be found, and the immediate vicinity of the 
scene of action exhibits no trace thereof. On the other hand, the 
decomposition of pyrite and associated minerals is here the evi- 
dent source of heat. Water is plentifully supplied by precipita- 
tion as well as by superficial and subterranean drainage. If we 
can assume, and it seems reasonable that we should, that either 
the supply of heat-producing material had increased without 
adequate vents for accumulating pressure being in existence, or 
that the vents, at the time acting as safety valves, were by some 
means reduced in area of cross-section, then, necessarily, an 
explosion must follow as soon as the pressure of steam and gases 
is able to overcome superincumbent weight. Added to this we 
have learned that decided barometric disturbances were observed 
on Dominica at a time immediately preceding the catastrophy. 
In case a bare equilibrium were maintained, certain changes of 
atmospheric pressure alone might account for a sudden release of 
gases under pressure. Every indication speaks for the assump- 
tion that the phenomenon is to be regarded as an explosion and 
not as an eruption, so far as the latter pertains to vulcanicity. 

In the course of a few years the damages so suddenly wrought 
will have been repaired again. Plant life in this climate is vigor- 
ous, and it will seem but a short time ere the now barren slopes 
will once more be clothed in green. Nothing will remain but 
some scarred veterans to tell the tale of the disastrous explosion 
of 18S0. Although a repetition of such occurrences may be 
looked for, the area is too limited and the seat of disturbing 
chemical action too superficial to endanger the safety of Do- 
minica. 



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